Shore Sleepout Returns: Supporting Rough Edges and Banksia Women
Service Learning continues to be a cornerstone of a Shore education, and our School’s strong relationship with Rough Edges in Darlinghurst remains a vital part of this commitment. This year, students from Barry, Burrell, Emery, Hodges, Mathers, Robson, and School Houses are invited to take part in the Shore Sleepout, an experience designed to build empathy, awareness and real-world understanding of homelessness and disadvantage.
Each Tuesday night, Shore boys already volunteer at Rough Edges, serving food and connecting with patrons. The Shore Sleepout extends this connection, with students participating in an urban walk from Shore to Rough Edges. Along the way, they will stop at stations to hear from people with lived experience of homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence, including from the affiliated group, Banksia Women.
Once at Rough Edges, students will share a modest meal, hear from the centre’s leadership and patrons, and reflect on the realities faced by Sydney’s vulnerable. The night concludes with a quiet service and group reflection, before students sleep in supervised, secure outdoor and indoor locations based on year level.
Importantly, this is Rough Edges’ major annual fundraiser. With no government funding, Rough Edges and Banksia Women rely entirely on donations. Funds raised through the Shore Sleepout will help employ a much-needed social worker to extend their impact.
We encourage the Shore community to give generously and support our boys as they walk in solidarity with those doing it tough. Donations can be made via the Shore Sleepout fundraising page.
The experience is designed to be safe but intentionally uncomfortable, to help students better understand the challenges of life on the margins. Thank you to all staff, families, and volunteers supporting this meaningful initiative.
Mr Huw Blood
Head of Service Learning